BSA definition of Scout Spirit

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Scout spirit applies to how a Scout lives and conducts his 'daily' life. He shows Scout spirit by being a role model to his peers, living by the Scout Oath and Law. The concept of Scout spirit is not based on how many Scouting events or outings a Scout attends, but rather by how he helps bring out the best in others as a reflection of his own character and attitude in his 'daily' life.

Frequently asked questions

A new element of Scout spirit (“Tell how you have done your duty to God …”), is alongside the elements of “living the Scout Oath and Scout Law” in the new requirements. Does this mean troop leaders need to examine and evaluate a Scout’s duty to God, and then determine whether it is sufficient by some standard?

No, not at all. The troop leader is there to listen to the Scout tell about how he believes he has done
his duty (the Scout’s duty) – that is the requirement. The idea is for the Scout to have a self-reflection
about belief and reverence. The requirement does not indicate that a discussion or a two-way
conversation should take place. For the purpose of the requirement, the boy is simply to tell his leader
how he believes he has done his duty to God as defined by himself and his family. Nothing more
is required.

The telling might be a very brief statement, depending on the Scout and the family’s beliefs—and on
where the Scout is in his development of understanding of such matters, which will evolve as the
Scout matures.

Does including “duty to God” as a part of Scout spirit put too much emphasis on religion? Does it create a requirement of belonging to a religion?

No, not as written. There is no requirement that a Scout identify a religious faith as part of his duty to
God—although, if the Scout does have a religious faith, it is likely to be part of the self-reflection and
expression. It is important to note that Scouting is nonsectarian and promotes no specific religion. In
fact, a boy need not belong to any official religious institution—he could practice his beliefs privately
at home.

However, while membership in an organized religion is not necessary or implied, a Scout does have to
ascribe to the declaration of religious principles, and express belief in a higher power. This condition of
membership is acknowledged by the parent or guardian’s signature on the BSA Youth Application.

A troop leader’s beliefs about God may be different from those of the Scout. With the requirement “tell how you have done your duty to God,” a troop leader might believe that the Scout should do more or do something differently to show duty to God. Can a boy be withheld from advancing for that reason?

No. The troop leader does not evaluate whether a Scout’s expression of how he shows duty to God
is sufficient by any standard. In signing off the requirement, the leader simply acknowledges that the
Scout has told how he has done his duty to God. The leader should make no judgment and the Scout
should not be held to a standard of belief or activity in order to be signed off on the requirement.
There will often be differences of belief among troop members and troop leadership—but the troop
leader’s beliefs do not establish a standard for the Scout. The policy of the Boy Scouts of America is
that “the home and the organization or group with which the member is connected shall give definite
attention to religious life.” The troop leader is to respect those differences, with no attempt to impose
his or her personal beliefs on the Scout.

Can the Scout tell about his duty to God during the Scoutmaster conference?

Yes. That would be an appropriate place for this to happen, just as other Scout spirit actions like
telling “how you have lived four different points of the Scout Law” may be covered in Scoutmaster
conferences. There is no reason why both actions cannot be completed at the same time. Of course,
the Scoutmaster may delegate responsibility for sign-off on Scout spirit requirements to another leader,
just as with any other requirement.

Should a board of review ask the Scout about this Duty to God requirement?

A board of review may ask—just as with any other requirement—but the board is not required to do
so. It is not expected that every rank requirement will be individually covered during a board of review,
and this requirement is no exception. However, as with the previous question, the Scout only needs to
tell how he has done his duty to God. Board members are not to pass judgment or try to impose their
individual beliefs.

The situation is no different from what might currently be asked: “How have you lived the ‘duty to God’
part of the Scout Oath in your daily life?” or “How have you demonstrated ‘A Scout is reverent’ in your
everyday life?”

What if, during a Scoutmaster conference or board of review, a Scout says that he does not believe in God?

A Scout is called to do his duty to God by both the Scout Oath and Scout Law, and his belief in God
should be acknowledged by his parent or guardian’s signature on the BSA Youth Application. A Scout’s
declaration that he does not believe in God is grounds to deny rank advancement and could affect his
continued membership in the troop. The situation should be approached with the utmost caution,
recognizing that the Scout and his family are best served by a process in which the Scout remains
positively engaged in his Scouting pursuits. Troop leadership should not attempt to counsel the Scout,
but should contact the boy’s parents or guardians and allow the family time to discuss the situation
with the youth. If the issue arises at a board of review, the board should be adjourned and reconvened
at a later date, giving the family an opportunity to conduct that discussion with their son.

Eagle Scout rank Requirement 2: Demonstrate that you live by the principles of the Scout Oath and Law in your daily life. List the names of individuals who know you personally and would be willing to provide a recommendation on your behalf, including parents/guardians, religious, educational, and employer references.